Flexible Work is Functional

With the landscape of how Americans work changing quickly, workplace flexibility is more important then ever. So, what exactly is “flexible work”? The term can include all types of part-time positions, flex-time, freelance, contracting and working anywhere outside of a standard office environment.

As the most highly regarded form of advertising, promotional products are an impactful way to spread a brand message. (1) Promos are versatile; used from morning to night, at special events, the office, at home and during favorite activities. As a promo distributor, having flexible business policies can mirror this versatility to benefit both your employees and your bottom line.

Being more agile allows for results-oriented contracts and virtual teams. Some businesses are even seeing success by changing their definition of the standard work week. (2)

Baby Boomers are retiring, and younger generations make up the largest percentage of today’s workers. Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z value greater freedom in their work lives and autonomy when deciding how to manage their individual job roles. In fact, 77% of Millennials say flexible work hours would make the workplace more productive for people their age. (3)

We are all embracing flexible work more quickly than may be comfortable, but you can still see key benefits for your business – even in these unexpected situations:

• Small businesses who are flexible can gain a competitive advantage over their larger counterparts when hiring top talent, especially for hard to fill roles.
• Promotional products aren’t just needed during business hours. Having shift flexibility gives employees the power to choose their preferred start/end times and allows your business to provide top-notch customer service by being available beyond the traditional 9-to-5.
• Distributors that offer flex working are more likely to retain great employees whose promo knowledge is invaluable, because workers are less likely to give up a flexible work pattern they have grown to love. (4)
• Companies that have implemented flexible ROWE (results-only work environment) policies have reported a major increase in productivity.

Transitioning to a flexible work environment is happening more quickly than many expected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hour shifting, increasing/decreasing hours and remote employment are now the workplace norms. Fast-forwading what experts expected to happen over the next decade anyway, when Millennial majority may completely do away with the 9-to-5 workday. (6)

Taking a moment now to understand how flexibility works for your promo business can help ease the impacts of these changes to see your business thrive.

BIC Graphic NA has promotional items like stylish commuter bags, wireless power banks and high-performance tumblers that are useful for workers in any work-from-home or remote work environment. Visit bicgraphic.com to learn more.

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